Smart Plants:
A Q&A with Jonathan Vaught, CEO and Co-Founder of
Front Range Biosciences

By Aaron Green, Iridium Consulting

In this article, Aaron Green sits down with Jonathan Vaught, Ph.D., CEO of Front Range Biosciences, to learn more about the origins of the company, how he thinks about genetics and the engineering of “smart plants.”

New Biological Residue Test Developed to Verify Cleanliness on Surfaces

Researchers at Kikkoman Biochemifa have developed an assay to test for total adenylates, which are found in biological residue. This new technology is being implemented in real-time sanitation validation tests to enhance pathogen detection.

Download the Whitepaper.

An In-Depth Breakdown of Prop 207 in Arizona

By Laura Bianchi & Justin Brandt, Bianchi & Brandt

In November 2020, Arizona voters approved Proposition 207, ushering in a new adult use cannabis program, placing Arizona among the 13 fully-legalized cannabis states in 2021. In Arizona, the existing medical cannabis license holders will have the first opportunity to apply for and acquire an adult use license, operating as dual licensed dispensaries in the new Arizona market.

Important Security Considerations When Designing Cannabis Facilities

By Heather Bender, CornellCookson

This article takes a comprehensive look at the overall importance and requirements of designing secure buildings for this high-value, at-risk industry and explores how to design them in a way that will protect not only the material assets within the building, but more importantly provide safety, security, and peace of mind to occupants.

The Cannabis Industry Sees Record Growth
Despite Continuous Obstacles

By Jay Virdi, Hub International

Cannabis businesses continue to grow even though conflicting state and federal laws cause major challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously advanced and pushed back the growth of the cannabis industry, and security and risk management remained a top priority for business owners and operators across the country. R&D on extraction moves into the spotlight as businesses seek cutting-edge techniques to increase yields, giving them a competitive advantage.

Edibles Pose Health Risk without Food Safety Test

Rapid Pathogen Testing Mitigates Foodborne Illness

Even with comprehensive cannabis testing, food safety concerns pose a major challenge to edible manufacturers. With no regulatory oversight for cannabis-infused foods, it’s up to manufacturers to prevent pathogen outbreaks. Microbiological testing for hazardous bacteria is the best way to protect against outbreaks.

Stay ahead of the curve with rapid micro testing.

Featured Quote

Now, I know that one company cannot change 100 years of cannabis prohibition and how policy works. But if you want to make this industry more accessible, inclusive, and profitable for those who do not have the access then there are a lot of levers to pull.

Ernest Toney, Founder of BIPOCANN

The Cannabis Industry and Tax Implications
of Entity Structure:
Issues to Consider

By Calvin Shannon, Bridge West

This high-level overview should provide some considerations for license holders to think about as they work with advisors to make entity selection decisions or tax elections. Then we’ll take a look at some of the major advantages and disadvantages for C-corporations and S-corporations.

Facility Considerations for
Cultivation & Manufacturing:
A Case Study

By David Vaillencourt, The GMP Collective

In this case study, David Vaillencourt takes a look at how to avoid some typical facility design and operational oversights that could become expensive. Learn how to maintain a competitive edge in a constantly changing market and use data-driven controls for materials, processes and people.